Winterizing Class C

[Randall Brink]

With thanks to members here who posted How To narratives and advice, I have completed Winterizing my motorhome as best I could; however there is one aspect I am not completely satisfied with: Evidently my older Shur-flow fresh water pump is simply not up to the task of pressurizing the hot water lines once the hot water tank is filled.(Note: I did not notice that there was no tank by-pass prior to starting the winterization project.) Consequently, all I get out of all three hot water faucets is air and no water. Cold water side is fine and I have manually filled the traps and lines to grey water tank.

Now, a theory I have developed is that there may be no real harm in this as, if all there is in those lines is air, they won't freeze, but I'd like to hear thoughts and comments on this anomaly, and why the pump simply won't fill the hot water side of the system. Would a newer, higher output Shur Flow be a good idea? (My pump is, after all, 36 years old!)

[david craft]

I think i still have some par pump parts on the shelf...they are old. Shurflo just did away with the 2088 and i was worried with the new model...the "Revolution" simply because im so distrustful of new products. I have had no complaints or issues with this pump to date and ive sold 20 or 30. It looks like Sureflo got it right.

[Matthew Tritt]

I agree. I worked for a very big alternative energy wholesaler for a number of years as the head of the wind and pump departments. We sold lots of Shurflos, but mainly the direct submersible solar pumps, which were (relatively) cheap and very dependable - even if not exactly spectacular performers. Even thought there are "better" diaphragm pumps on the market,, you just can't beat em for price and dependability. BTW, I adapted the Shurflo pressure tank (if that's the right word for such a small vessel), which is made to connect directly to the newer style pumps, to a 10 year old model. Works great, but tends to promote more water usage. 

[Randall Brink]

My thanks to everyone who replied. I learned a great deal and will have the bypass in place before next winter. I am pleased to report that I just took the camper out of winter storage, and she made it through with no freeze breakage whatsoever.

Thanks again to all.

[Grey Wolf]

Last winter I did not winterize my Foretravel. I used electric heaters inside all winter instead. It got bitter cold here over the winter. The only problem I found after the winter was over was the bottom of my water filter froze and broke leaking water onto the floor. Everything else survived. I replaced the vintage water filter system. Next winter I WILL winterize. Hard lesson I learned. I did winterize the Toyota and had no problems.